Ongoing hunger strike in Ladakh draws fresh attention during PM’s Arunachal visit

By A Representative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh recently for two days. During his speech, a student from Keladha Adi District displayed a banner that read, “Stop the hunger strike, give Ladakh their rights,” in support of Ladakh climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk. The student was later detained by the police. The incident drew attention to the ongoing hunger strike in Ladakh.

This is Wangchuk’s second major strike. His earlier 21-day “climate fast” in March 2024, held in sub-zero temperatures and later continued through women-led relays, ended without concessions from the government.

The current hunger strike, led by Wangchuk, is a non-violent protest calling for greater autonomy for the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. The demands center on land rights, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and local governance, issues that have been debated since Ladakh became a separate UT following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The movement is backed by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing both Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil.

As of September 23, 2025, the strike in its 14th day. It has been described by organizers as peaceful and “apolitical.” LAB has also decided to exclude political leaders, including members of the Congress party, to maintain neutrality ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in October. More than 100 villagers from remote areas bordering China have joined the agitation, along with a 35-day relay fast involving 15 participants, including Buddhist monks.

According to Wangchuk and supporters, the protest is aimed at safeguarding the environment, ecology, and people of Ladakh.

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